Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Binding energy refers to the amount of energy required to break apart or separate particles within an atomic nucleus or between atoms in a molecule. It represents the strength of attraction holding particles together.
Related terms
Nuclear fusion: A process where atomic nuclei combine together, releasing large amounts of binding energy.
Chemical bond: The force that holds atoms together in molecules through sharing or transferring electrons.
Ionization Energy: The amount of energy needed to remove an electron from an atom or ion.